1. The results may be too subtle. The lip flip enhances the existing shape of your upper lip, letting the vermillion border roll outward very slightly. This result is subtle — especially when you are not smiling — and may be disappointing if you are hoping for a noticeable change in your lip shape or size.
Don't expect results overnight. Just as with traditional facial Botox, lip flip results take time. While some patients see the results in as early as three to four days, you'll get the full lip flip look 10 to 12 days after your injections.
Full Botox lip flip results take about a week to show, though most patients experience some visible effects within a few days of treatment.
During a lip flip procedure, your healthcare provider injects Botox into parts of your upper lip. After about a week, the injections make your lip look fuller or “poutier” without adding any volume to your lip. Lip flips generally look more natural than lip fillers.
As with any surgical procedure, not everyone's smile is suitable for a lip flip – even those who may be good candidates for lip fillers. "The ideal patient is someone who has a hyperactive muscle around their mouth that causes their upper lip to turn in or pull up dramatically when they smile," Dr. Amalfi says.
The primary effect of the lip flip is to relax the muscles (orbicularis oris) that connect to the upper lip, allowing the lip to relax and curl outward, thereby appearing larger and more defined in shape. Unlike lip filler, the lip flip will not add volume—but the lip flip can accentuate the results of your lip filler.
According to Dr. Dauwe, all patients should abstain from putting pressure on their lips for 3 – 4 days after their appointment. This includes activities like kissing. Any redness and swelling around the lips should dissipate within that time.
Done incorrectly or performed on unsuitable patients, a Botox lip flip can easily impact the integrity of the lip structure and affect how you talk, smile, etc.
The lip profile and position of the upper lip in relation to the lower lip should also be considered for optimal results. Much like fillers, if performed by someone who does not have a detailed understanding of lip anatomy, a lip lift can have unnatural, “altered” results.
A lip flip is a perfect option if you're looking for a subtle change to your smile but aren't ready to commit to filler. It's a quick, easy way to get fuller-looking lips without breaking the bank. However, if you're looking for a more significant change, then lip filler is the way to go.
Your upper lip will begin to feel numb about 4 days after your injection and this slight numbness will last 2-3 months. You should be able to talk, kiss and smile as normal .
The amount of Botox units needed for a lip flip typically ranges between 2-10 units. The more units used, the longer a lip flip will last.
Does a Lip Lift Change the Nose? The upper lip's skin and the nose's base are very closely linked. As such, if a plastic surgeon doesn't have the appropriate skills or experience, a lip lift can distort the appearance of the nose, particularly the base and the nostrils.
Science has found that the most attractive lip shape has an upper-to-lower lip ratio of 1:2. Lips are most desirable in different shapes and forms for different people – 60% of people prefer a 1:1 ratio where the lips are completely symmetrical and evenly full.
Does an upper lip lift change your smile? An upper lip lift does change your smile for about two weeks while healing from the initial swelling, but after that, your smile should return to normal. You may find that your teeth show a little bit more than before, but for the most part the surgery makes your smile better.
And the depressor labii inferioris (DLI) muscle pulls down your lower lip, and you have one of these muscles on each side. When Botox spreads to any of these muscles, it will relax them. Usually this only happens on one side. This makes your smile on that side look different.
Both the lip flip and lip filler can decrease lines in the lips called “smoker's lines” or “kissing lines.” The lip filler will last longer on average though. For someone with a long philtrum column (the distance between the bottom of the nose and top of the lip) the lip flip can be used with lip filler.
Longevity: Results of a lift lip should last for several years. As you age, the area will naturally begin to stretch and curl inward again. Pros: Long-lasting volume and definition without injections. Cons: More downtime upfront than a non-surgical procedure.
Limited in results: Lip Flip is a subtle procedure that can only enhance the appearance of the lips slightly. If you are looking for more dramatic results, Lip Filler may be a better option.
Will a Lip Flip Give Me “Duck Lips”? No. Because lip flips do not actually add volume to the lips, they will not create a duck-like appearance.
If you're curious whether or not you can perform oral sex after lip filler injections, the short answer is NO.
The cost of the Lip Flip treatment at Contour Clinics in Sydney is $120. This includes consultation with one of our doctors or nurses and the procedure itself.
It is important to keep in mind that the Botox lip flip only lasts three to four months, and you'll need to return for treatment about two to three times as often as you would for filler injections.
The Best Candidates for Botox Lip Flip Treatment
Patients who feel their upper lip recedes, curls, or completely disappears when smiling or speaking, even exposing excess teeth or gums when smiling, can benefit from the lip flip and achieve a poutier aesthetic.